MacKenzie Scott's $10 million donation helps fund housing project for 30 families in US

In 2020, Scott gave $10 million to United Way of the Midlands (AP file photo) Six years after philanthropist and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott donated $10 million to a South Carolina charity; part of that money is now helping fund affordable housing in Columbia. As part of the project, a former motel site is being redeveloped into 30 rental homes for families with different income levels. The $12.8 million project, called Grand Village, is being developed by nonprofit Homeless No More, which began construction with a groundbreaking ceremony on October 13.According to the organisation's official website, the site was once occupied by the Grand Motel, a property dating back to the 1950s at the corner of Two Notch Road and West Beltline Boulevard. Over the years, its condition had deteriorated. The new development will replace much of the old property, although two existing two-storey buildings will be renovated. The motel's historic sign will also be retained.For families looking for affordable accommodation, the development will offer one, two and three-bedroom rental homes. Some of these are intended for households with very low incomes, while others will be...